In preparation for Part 5 on Father’s Day with my 3 and 5-year-old daughters, I’m introducing them to the first four. Here are my rewatch notes/observations:
Toy Story (1995) ***1/2
The Steve Jobs-produced, CGI/Pixar novelty has obviously worn off since the premiere 31 years ago. However, there are textures, lighting depths, and vibrant palettes that still bring life to the screen without today’s color crack of CoComelon. The Randy Newman hooks still ring, the scale of action is imaginative, the adult jokes (“laser envy” and Wilhelm Scream) are more refreshing today than they were before I had a family, and the lessons on jealousy and gratitude landed with the kiddos. It’s still a wonder how the franchise can sustain toy interest for five features, especially when every single toy is loudly unlikable. (Also, is it me, or do all the children characters look like Chucky dolls?)
“That boy is naughty.” — my 3-year old referring to that jagoff, Sid
Toy Story 2 (1999) **1/2
It quickly becomes apparent that the toy-escape template will make up 90% of this series. Deeper themes and messages get lost in the Santa Clause 2/Tim Allen-cloned contrivances, Kelsey Grammer’d defiance, and Tom Hanks screaming. Even the Star Wars references thin out in the noise. Also, in true sequel form, this one starts off with obligatory and unnecessary action sequences and then ups the ante on plot adjustment by bringing up theft and “kidnapping.” A much darker tone, and we miss Randy Newman. They say the original and Part 3 are universally acclaimed. Let’s hope so.
“When does this one end?” — my 3-year-old
Toy Story 3 (2010) ****
A strong, epic-scale introduction of imagination with the much-needed reality check that Andy would age beyond these pieces of plastic. The ending is perfect with no need for another one (or another one). Themes of abandonment, bullies, and coming-of-age sync seamlessly with cleaner animation and a daycare/jailbreak scenario. Most remarkable is Woody’s (and his hat’s) journey back to Andy à la “Steadfast Soldier.” Or, is it Michael Keaton as Ken? Or, Mr. Potato Head, the tortilla? Much more clever and deeper than the first two. My gals were transfixed the entire viewing. (I thought the pink bear antagonist was a real asshole.)
Toy Story 4 (2019) ***
By now, Woody and Buzz would be scuffed, gashed, or beheaded, but they are still perfect fodder for Pixar cash grab opportunities. The unwritten rule that the toys can’t move or talk when humans are around is out the door, and out the door the toys go—a carnival and an antique shop become the new settings for this fourth entry. The carnival is fun and lively while the antique shop is dark, dull, and claustrophobic. Luckily, Keanu Reeves, Key & Peele, and Tony Hale save the day with flashback humor and makeshift nostalgia. The Toy Story charm is still hanging in there, but I can’t imagine how much more it can stretch in the fifth entry.
Referring to the colorful carnival in the background, my 5-year-old said, “What is that place? I want to go there.”
“That was my favorite one because I liked the naughty boys.” — my 3-year-old, referring to the Benson dummy dolls. (She will be a handful in the future.)
Well, whether we are better for it or not, we are officially prepped for Toy Story 5. As long as that pink bear isn’t back, I think I’ll make it through.
Happy Summer ’26,
RB
Reely Bernie 
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